About NJ 211
NJ 211 is a statewide nonprofit organization renowned for its 211 call center that operates 24 hours a day for New Jersey’s residents facing a crisis or dealing with a disaster. We maintain a robust and comprehensive directory of over 6,300 government and nonprofit programs, which is continually updated by a team of curators to ensure the most up-to-date information on programs. The directory is used by our specialists when assisting callers and can also found on our website for easy use by residents.
Yet it’s our one-to-one, human-centered approach to service delivery that is our trademark. We take great pride in personally interacting with residents and the agencies that serve them. When people dial 211, they reach someone who will listen carefully and guide them to the health and human services resources and services they need
Beyond the Hotline
Since 2002, NJ 211 has grown into so much more than simply a call center. We partner with government and nonprofits and serve in various capacities beyond information and referral. Currently, we provide over 20 programs supporting government, nonprofits and private organizations in their mission to assist the community.
Critical Resource Hotlines
We serve as the State's Home Energy Assistance Hotline, Homeless Hotline and Addiction Helpline.
Disaster Response
We are activated by the State of New Jersey in times of disaster/emergencies to take calls and disseminate information. We relay information to State partners regarding the needs people are expressing in response to a storm or emergency in addition to communicating recovery resources as they become available via our public portal.
Funding Insights
We provide a statewide view of the needs of many low-income households and other vulnerable populations:
- Organizations, public advocacy, research and healthcare groups, and planning boards
have data necessary for planning and funding initiative - Our insights are helpful for United Way offices seeking grants to fund programs
Data to Inform Decisions
Our public data dashboard provides a detailed view of the contacts, caller demographics, needs by location and referrals made on a monthly basis. This information is very helpful in identifying trends, resource gaps and advocating for change
"NJ 211 has grown in leaps and bounds over the past 10 years, thanks to the dedication and determination of our staff and Board. We are more than a call center. Our capacity to link our social care directory to other systems or push critical information to the public via text messaging is only a few of the ways we have expanded.”
Melissa Acree
Chief Executive Officer and President, NJ 211
A Foundation of Help and Hope
Mission
To make the critical connection between individuals and families seeking health and human services and the community referrals best able to meet their needs.
Vision
All people in New Jersey have the basic essentials to lead a healthy, safe, and fulfilling life.
Core Values
Compassionate
We care about others. We put ourselves in their shoes and have often walked in them. We acknowledge others feelings, thoughts, and situations as we provide help and hope, recognizing that people in crisis are often frustrated and sometimes angry. We treat our consumers and one another with respect and non-judgment.
Accountable
We take responsibility for our services and staff. We execute programs and follow guidelines as directed by our partners. We report the deliverables in a timely manner. We welcome feedback and address areas of concern without defense.
Reliable
We respond when called upon. We are able to activate quickly during times of disaster. We are a trusted resource that is available at all times.
Service Excellence
We execute with high standards of service. We operate our contact center and manage a resource database by following Inform USA Standards. We minimize your wait time to speak with a specialist. We maintain accurate data. We make finding the right resources easy. We seek systems and technology that consistently perform optimally.
Ethical
We are honest and fair. We are responsible for knowing what is right. We make decisions based on what is right, regardless of the outcome.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are the centerpiece of our daily work. We oppose all forms of racism and strive to maintain knowledge of and sensitivity to the differences that define us. We are committed to equal access to the Information and Referral Services that are our mission. We welcome everyone. No one is turned away. All are respected.
We are proud that our leadership and staff, as well as our growing network of business and community partnerships, mirror the rich diversity that is New Jersey. It fuels our work and connects us closer to those we have pledged to serve.
Interested in learning more?
NJ 211 Unveils Statewide Awareness Campaign
In 2024, NJ 211 began promoting our services on outdoor boards, signage, social media, radio, and TV to reach even more people and encourage nonprofits to list their services in our database.
See how we’re doing this in the Public Awareness Toolkit.
Manage Your Listing
If you’re a nonprofit providing health or human services, a government agency, or private organization providing free or low-cost health and human services programs, list your agency with us.
Already listed? Be sure to update your information in our directory.